The Art of Leadership: Embracing Help in Dark Times

Leadership is a demanding and often lonely role, filled with challenges, decisions, and the weight of responsibility. While it's essential for leaders to find permanent solutions to problems, there are times when the pursuit of such solutions can lead us astray, especially when faced with temporary issues. This blog explores the importance of recognizing when to seek help from others, even as a leader, when facing the darkest moments in leadership.

The Perils of Seeking Permanent Solutions

As leaders, we are often driven by a strong desire to find lasting solutions to the problems we encounter. After all, isn't it our responsibility to steer the ship and guide our team through rough waters? The pursuit of permanent solutions can be a noble goal, but it can also lead us down a treacherous path.

1. Tunnel Vision: Focusing solely on finding permanent solutions can blind us to the immediate needs and the emotional well-being of our team. We become so fixated on fixing the long-term problem that we neglect the short-term pain.
2. Delayed Action: Some problems are temporary and require swift action. Seeking a permanent solution can lead to unnecessary delays, causing more harm in the process.
3. Overwhelm: The pressure to single-handedly find a permanent solution can overwhelm a leader. This stress can affect their decision-making ability and lead to burnout.

The Power of Accepting Help

It is during the darkest moments of leadership that the true strength of a leader becomes evident. While the pursuit of permanent solutions is admirable, it's equally important to know when to accept help from others. Here are the benefits of embracing help:

1. Empowerment: Recognizing that you don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders empowers both you and your team. Delegating tasks and seeking assistance can lead to quicker resolutions.
2. Improved Decision Making: Collaboration often results in better decision-making. Collecting diverse viewpoints and expertise from your team or external sources can lead to more effective solutions.
3. Resilience: By accepting help, you demonstrate resilience and adaptability. This quality is not only inspiring to your team but also a valuable lesson for future leaders.
4. Emotional Support: Leadership is not just about problem-solving; it's also about supporting your team emotionally. Sharing the burden and accepting help when needed can build trust and foster a stronger team bond.

Recognizing When to Seek Help

Knowing when to seek help is a crucial aspect of leadership. Here are some signs that it may be time to reach out:

1. Unresolved Stress: If you find yourself continuously stressed and unable to find a solution, it's time to seek help.
2. Team Struggles: When your team is struggling and your leadership alone isn't enough to uplift them, it's a clear sign to collaborate.
3. Limited Expertise: If you lack the expertise required to address a particular issue, don't hesitate to seek assistance from those who possess it.
4. Time Sensitivity: When time is of the essence and seeking a permanent solution may take too long, prioritize swift action.


As a leader, it's essential to strike a balance between finding permanent solutions and recognizing when to seek help. The darkest moments in leadership are when true leadership shines through, not by carrying the burden alone but by guiding the team through challenges with wisdom and collaboration. Embrace the power of accepting help, and you'll find that your leadership journey becomes more fulfilling, effective, and resilient.